Polls Show Incumbent As Favorite for Budapest Mayor

In the lead-up to the municipal and EP elections held on June 9, Budapest is witnessing an intense political showdown alongside the national campaign primarily focused on the European elections, according to Republikon‘s research.

Current Mayor Gergely Karácsony’s place in the Fidesz-KDNP national campaign underscores the party’s keen ambition to reclaim control of the capital, a goal evidenced by recent amendments to electoral laws.

This political battleground is crucial for the opposition, with various positions including district mayors, assembly members, and mayor-general up for grabs.

Karácsony is vying for the mayoralty, facing competition from Alexandra Szentkirályi (Fidesz-KDNP) and Dávid Vitézy (LMP), while András Grundtner is representing Mi Hazánk.

Insights from the latest survey reveal Karácsony’s dominance as the most popular mayoral candidate, commanding 34% support among Budapest’s population, with Szentkirályi trailing at 25% and Vitézy at 21%.

Grundtner lags behind with only 2% of the vote, while 16% remain undecided. A high 81% turnout, with 64% considering themselves sure voters, indicates significant interest just a month before the election. Among respondents committed to a mayoral candidate, Karácsony leads with 40% support, followed by Szentkirályi at 30% and Vitézy at 25%.

This reflects disciplined backing for the Fidesz-KDNP candidate, who has managed to surpass Vitézy’s support base.

Looking ahead, Karácsony may anticipate maintaining his lead, with Vitézy failing to sway voters significantly. Although Szentkirályi remains a favorite, governing parties face challenges in expanding their support base beyond their core constituents. With the arrival of the TISZA party led by Péter Magyar (Tisztelet és Szabadság / “Respect and Freedom”) and legislative changes, the composition of the capital’s assembly has shifted.

If Karácsony secures victory, navigating a less unified metropolitan assembly will require cooperation among diverse factions to govern effectively.

Via Republikon Intézet; Featured Image: valasztas.hu